Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Semal (Bombax ceiba, family : Bombacaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India
Traditional medicinal knowledge about useful herb Semal (Bombax ceiba,
family : Bombacaceae) in Chhattisgarh, India
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Semal is popular among children as 'Rui ka Ped' (Rui-Cotton, Ped-Tree). The floss of Semal is popularly known as Indian Kapok. It is light, buoyant, soft, strong, elastic, resistant, water repellent and suitable for stuffing lifebelts, mattresses, instruments, laces, etc. Among traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the Semal tree as medicinal plant holds a reputed position. Its one to two years old roots are known as Semal Musli. Like other Musli viz. Safed Musli, Kali Musli etc. Semal musli is also used very frequently by the healers. There is good demand of Semal Musli in national and international drug markets. Like other Musli, it is also used as aphrodisiac. Semal is present in Chhattisgarh since time immemorial. The village names based on this herb like Semra, Semrabhata, Semradih etc. clearly proves this fact. Like traditional healers, the natives are also aware of unique medicinal properties and uses of different parts of Semal. I have seen this tree in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. The herb collectors as well as the traders are also aware of its regular demand. They informed me that there is a fair demand of Semal Musli (roots) and gum. In trade, the gum is known as Mochras. According to the collectors, the gum exudates when any insect attack on this tree. As the natural forests are rich in population, the commercial plantation of Semal as medicinal tree has yet not been started in Chhattisgarh. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of the State, I have noted that the natives ad traditional healers have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. There is a tremendous scope to establish this tree as medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. This is very odd to see, that in social forestry schemes, the officials are planting exotic ornamental trees having not known local uses. In social forestry scheme, the indigenous tree like Semal can play a vital role. In present article, I am giving the results of my Ethnobotanical surveys to aware the world and also our people about rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb in Chhattisgarh. At first, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Semal is a fast-growing, buttressed tree having height upto 60 meters, Stem-clear bole of 24-30 meters, with hard prickles at base, having horizontal branches in more or less whorls. Bark-thick, pale ash to silvery grey, smooth becoming rough, with irregular cracks. Leaf-large, spreading, digitate, with 5-7 lanceolate, 10-12 cm long leaflets. Flower-numerous, large, fleshy bright crimson-yellow or orange. Clustered at the end of branches, rarely unisexual. Fruit-oblong-ovoid, woody capsule, 10-19 cm x 5 cm, 50/kg. Seed-many, black, irregular obovoid, smooth with dense silky hairs. According to Ayurveda, Semal bark is demulcent and styptic. As mentioned earlier, bark exudes an edible gum. The gum is stimulant, tonic, demulcent, antidysentiric, analgesic and useful in giardiasis and diarrhoea. Roots are aphrodisiac, cardiac and astringent. The medicinal properties and uses of flower bud, flowers and seeds are also reported. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the fresh young roots of Semal as sex tonic. Like collection of other herbs they perform special worship ceremony and collect the roots. For collection, Mondays are preferred. The healers have no scientific explanation on why the roots are collected on Mondays? The roots spreading in North direction are preferred. The trees present in surroundings of Semal play vital role in increasing or decreasing the medicinal properties. The Semal tree, nearer to Pipal or Bar (Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis) trees, is not preferred. I am trying my best to get the scientific explanations. The healers also prefer insect infested trees for the collection of parts for preparation of herbal combinations. According to them, at the time of insect infestation, the medicinal properties increase many folds, but they do not take damaged plant parts. The fresh, unaffected parts are collected. I personally feel that there is a need for detailed scientific investigation. I have also observed that at a time, the healers collect only one part. The roots, leaves, and other parts are not collected simultaneously, and for collection of every part, there is specific worship procedure. In the groups of Semal herbs, by experience the traditional healers easily identify the most potential herb. Every year, they select different group for the collection. Mostly they do it clockwise. First year if they collect it from North direction then in second year they choose another direction. This scientific collection method helps in conservation of Semal herb. The natives herb collectors strictly follow the instructions of traditional healers. When traders of other area tries to harvest the herb by disturbing cycle, the healers oppose them. I have observed this unique practice in Semal rich villages specifically where the natives and traditional healers are relatively more rich in terms of traditional medicinal knowledge as compared to the natives and healers of other parts. The traditional healers informed me that the systemati harvesting cycle will not exist for longer time. They blame the increasing population pressure and also increasing demands of herbs with poor control on forest by the Government officials. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified over 170 traditional healers specialized in use of Semal as medicine. Unfortunately, no systematic work has been done so far to recognize and encourage these healers in Chhattisgarh. As the new state of Chhattisgarh came in existence, crores of rupees sanctioned in the development of this herbal State. In initial days, the authorities organized many expensive conferences with nice lunches and dinners with no results. The official files are full of reports showing what a great work they have done to promote the herbal conservation and marketing but in reality nothing is done and whatever is done, is done half heartedly. Last week during my visit to Kondagaon region, the members of SAMPDA showed me the Agave plantation in many acres done by the authorities. As the plantation was not pre-planned, the mission failed. Early this month, I attended one more expensive workshop on forest certification at the star Hotel of Raipur. This is really sad to write that over 90 percent attendance were from the organizer’s department. The invited speakers from national and international level, reported the same lecture with same slides and workshop ended in no result. This is an important question that as the experts of requested organization, deliver over 7-8 lectures a week in different corners of the India and also in abroad, then when they work? How they spare time for so called sincere research for which they are called by the authorities to deliver lectures? During workshop, I interacted with an rt from neighbouring country and pointed out that "Sir, I am listening the same lecture (with same slides) in different forums, for the sixth times, from you." He replied that actually he has no new matter and assured me that he will read my articles at Botanical.com and add the findings in his lectures. This is a trend in India. The field workers are dedicating their lives for sincere works and these so called experts are presenting it in national and international levels without acknowledging them. I do not think that this is good sign and there is any promising future of this trend. When I was at Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, the head of institution was pressuring me to write his lectures on herbs. When the horticulture plan for Chhattisgarh was prepared, I contributed whole chapter on medicinal herbs but when the head, presented it to the State authorities, my name was not there, even they have not acknowledged me anywhere. This pressure forced me to leave this type of institution and work as free lancer. So, I was talking about the use of Semal roots as sex tonic. The fresh roots are collected and dipped in a cup of water overnight. Next morning the softened roots are crushed and given with sugar, internally. The healers suggest its use upto two months in a year, to maintain the sexual health round the year. The roots are an integral part of many sex tonics available in Indian markets, in which roots are used alone or in combination with other herbs. In the label of these products, I have not seen the instruction that this should be used only upto two months. The sellers and manufacturer's are aware that its use round the year will give good market as compared to restricted use of two months. The traditional healers informed me that over doses can cause the problems like constipation. I want to mention one interesting information that the healers use Sonth (dried ginger) with Semal roots in herbal combinations, in order to eliminate its side effects. The commercial manufacturers are possibly not aware of this traditional knowledge. The traditional healers use the flowers of Semal very frequently. It is considered as good female tonic. They advise the female patients to never miss the chance of utilizing flowers during season (January to March in Chhattisgarh conditions) and use it like curry. They also suggest another method for use. In this method, the fresh flowers are roasted in cow ghee and with salt, served to the patients. It is one of the promising remedies for leucorrhoea. The dried flowers av in local shops particularly in off-seasons are not preferred by the healers. To stop any type of internal bleeding, the healers suggest the patients to take Semal flowers with honey for immediate effect. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, boil the flowers at night and keep it as such whole night. Next day it is given with mustard seeds internally as treatment of enlarged spleen. The healers of other parts do not add the mustard seeds in this combination. I personally feel that there is need for scientific investigation to find out the role of mustard seeds, in this use. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about use of Semal Chhal (Bark). They use the bark through different methods as female tonic. It is recommended with cow milk. In case of urinary troubles, the healers suggest the patients to take powdered bark with sugar. The natives use, the bark in treatment of diarrhoea. The fresh juice of fresh bark is given as treatment. The traditional healers are also aware of this use. They added that one can use the juice of roots successfully as bark juice to stop the diarrhoea immediately. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village, use the Semal bark in treatment of spermatorrhoea. It is given with gud (Jaggery) and milk. According to him, within two weeks, one can get rid from this trouble. Like the bark of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) the Semal bark is also considered as heart tonic and used in same way. In ancient literatures, it is mentioned that if anyone takes the Semal bark, internally, upto a year, he/she can cross the age of hundred years, without any problem. As heart tonic, the healers recommend its use upto one month only. Although it is neither in use nor recommended but I would like to request the young researchers to evaluate the efficacy of combination of Arjun and Semal bark, in different proportions as heart tonic. I am confident that some promising outcome will come through this experimentation. Semal gond (gum), known as Mochras in trade, is also used as medicine by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. As aphrodisiac, it is given with sugar and cow milk. In treatment of diarrhoea, it is used by healers by adopting different methods. Many healers give it with fresh curd whereas other recommend the powdered gum simply with sugar. I have found both methods effective. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the powdered gum as tooth powder. According to them, its regular use root out all dental and gum related troubles. It is also used as preventive. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region, use the spines of Semal in many ways. With sugar, the powdered spines are used as female tonic. In face care, to remove the black spots, the natives mix the powered spines in cow milk and prepare paste. This paste is applied externally. During my surveys in Bagbahera forest areas, I heard about the use of Semal roots in treatment of scorpion bite. I have yet not seen its practical use. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, different promising herbal combinations having Semal roots as main ingredient, are given. When I explained these combinations among the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, they showed ignorance and many of them showed eagerness to try these formulations. Similarly, like the medicinal uses of Fudhar Floss (Calotropis gigantea), the natives and healers of Chhattisgarh are not much aware of medicinal uses of Semal Floss. The natives of Tilda region informed me that the cotton of Semal is applied directly on fresh burns to stop the formation of blisters and to heal it quickly. Most of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been reported in reference literatures. The in depth traditional medicinal knowledge of natives and healers and the presence of Semal trees in Chhattisgarh, clearly indicates that there is a tremendous scope for establishing Semal based drug industries. This establishment will help all components, if it is adopted through proper planning. Thank you very much for reading the article.
http://www.pankajoudhia.com/RA1.pdf
Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia © 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved
Semal is popular among children as 'Rui ka Ped' (Rui-Cotton, Ped-Tree). The floss of Semal is popularly known as Indian Kapok. It is light, buoyant, soft, strong, elastic, resistant, water repellent and suitable for stuffing lifebelts, mattresses, instruments, laces, etc. Among traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, the Semal tree as medicinal plant holds a reputed position. Its one to two years old roots are known as Semal Musli. Like other Musli viz. Safed Musli, Kali Musli etc. Semal musli is also used very frequently by the healers. There is good demand of Semal Musli in national and international drug markets. Like other Musli, it is also used as aphrodisiac. Semal is present in Chhattisgarh since time immemorial. The village names based on this herb like Semra, Semrabhata, Semradih etc. clearly proves this fact. Like traditional healers, the natives are also aware of unique medicinal properties and uses of different parts of Semal. I have seen this tree in almost every corner of Chhattisgarh. The herb collectors as well as the traders are also aware of its regular demand. They informed me that there is a fair demand of Semal Musli (roots) and gum. In trade, the gum is known as Mochras. According to the collectors, the gum exudates when any insect attack on this tree. As the natural forests are rich in population, the commercial plantation of Semal as medicinal tree has yet not been started in Chhattisgarh. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of the State, I have noted that the natives ad traditional healers have in depth traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb. There is a tremendous scope to establish this tree as medicinal tree in Chhattisgarh. This is very odd to see, that in social forestry schemes, the officials are planting exotic ornamental trees having not known local uses. In social forestry scheme, the indigenous tree like Semal can play a vital role. In present article, I am giving the results of my Ethnobotanical surveys to aware the world and also our people about rich traditional medicinal knowledge about this herb in Chhattisgarh. At first, I am describing its botany and reported medicinal uses. According to reference literatures, Semal is a fast-growing, buttressed tree having height upto 60 meters, Stem-clear bole of 24-30 meters, with hard prickles at base, having horizontal branches in more or less whorls. Bark-thick, pale ash to silvery grey, smooth becoming rough, with irregular cracks. Leaf-large, spreading, digitate, with 5-7 lanceolate, 10-12 cm long leaflets. Flower-numerous, large, fleshy bright crimson-yellow or orange. Clustered at the end of branches, rarely unisexual. Fruit-oblong-ovoid, woody capsule, 10-19 cm x 5 cm, 50/kg. Seed-many, black, irregular obovoid, smooth with dense silky hairs. According to Ayurveda, Semal bark is demulcent and styptic. As mentioned earlier, bark exudes an edible gum. The gum is stimulant, tonic, demulcent, antidysentiric, analgesic and useful in giardiasis and diarrhoea. Roots are aphrodisiac, cardiac and astringent. The medicinal properties and uses of flower bud, flowers and seeds are also reported. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh use the fresh young roots of Semal as sex tonic. Like collection of other herbs they perform special worship ceremony and collect the roots. For collection, Mondays are preferred. The healers have no scientific explanation on why the roots are collected on Mondays? The roots spreading in North direction are preferred. The trees present in surroundings of Semal play vital role in increasing or decreasing the medicinal properties. The Semal tree, nearer to Pipal or Bar (Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis) trees, is not preferred. I am trying my best to get the scientific explanations. The healers also prefer insect infested trees for the collection of parts for preparation of herbal combinations. According to them, at the time of insect infestation, the medicinal properties increase many folds, but they do not take damaged plant parts. The fresh, unaffected parts are collected. I personally feel that there is a need for detailed scientific investigation. I have also observed that at a time, the healers collect only one part. The roots, leaves, and other parts are not collected simultaneously, and for collection of every part, there is specific worship procedure. In the groups of Semal herbs, by experience the traditional healers easily identify the most potential herb. Every year, they select different group for the collection. Mostly they do it clockwise. First year if they collect it from North direction then in second year they choose another direction. This scientific collection method helps in conservation of Semal herb. The natives herb collectors strictly follow the instructions of traditional healers. When traders of other area tries to harvest the herb by disturbing cycle, the healers oppose them. I have observed this unique practice in Semal rich villages specifically where the natives and traditional healers are relatively more rich in terms of traditional medicinal knowledge as compared to the natives and healers of other parts. The traditional healers informed me that the systemati harvesting cycle will not exist for longer time. They blame the increasing population pressure and also increasing demands of herbs with poor control on forest by the Government officials. During my Ethnobotanical surveys in different parts of Chhattisgarh, I have identified over 170 traditional healers specialized in use of Semal as medicine. Unfortunately, no systematic work has been done so far to recognize and encourage these healers in Chhattisgarh. As the new state of Chhattisgarh came in existence, crores of rupees sanctioned in the development of this herbal State. In initial days, the authorities organized many expensive conferences with nice lunches and dinners with no results. The official files are full of reports showing what a great work they have done to promote the herbal conservation and marketing but in reality nothing is done and whatever is done, is done half heartedly. Last week during my visit to Kondagaon region, the members of SAMPDA showed me the Agave plantation in many acres done by the authorities. As the plantation was not pre-planned, the mission failed. Early this month, I attended one more expensive workshop on forest certification at the star Hotel of Raipur. This is really sad to write that over 90 percent attendance were from the organizer’s department. The invited speakers from national and international level, reported the same lecture with same slides and workshop ended in no result. This is an important question that as the experts of requested organization, deliver over 7-8 lectures a week in different corners of the India and also in abroad, then when they work? How they spare time for so called sincere research for which they are called by the authorities to deliver lectures? During workshop, I interacted with an rt from neighbouring country and pointed out that "Sir, I am listening the same lecture (with same slides) in different forums, for the sixth times, from you." He replied that actually he has no new matter and assured me that he will read my articles at Botanical.com and add the findings in his lectures. This is a trend in India. The field workers are dedicating their lives for sincere works and these so called experts are presenting it in national and international levels without acknowledging them. I do not think that this is good sign and there is any promising future of this trend. When I was at Indira Gandhi Agriculture University, the head of institution was pressuring me to write his lectures on herbs. When the horticulture plan for Chhattisgarh was prepared, I contributed whole chapter on medicinal herbs but when the head, presented it to the State authorities, my name was not there, even they have not acknowledged me anywhere. This pressure forced me to leave this type of institution and work as free lancer. So, I was talking about the use of Semal roots as sex tonic. The fresh roots are collected and dipped in a cup of water overnight. Next morning the softened roots are crushed and given with sugar, internally. The healers suggest its use upto two months in a year, to maintain the sexual health round the year. The roots are an integral part of many sex tonics available in Indian markets, in which roots are used alone or in combination with other herbs. In the label of these products, I have not seen the instruction that this should be used only upto two months. The sellers and manufacturer's are aware that its use round the year will give good market as compared to restricted use of two months. The traditional healers informed me that over doses can cause the problems like constipation. I want to mention one interesting information that the healers use Sonth (dried ginger) with Semal roots in herbal combinations, in order to eliminate its side effects. The commercial manufacturers are possibly not aware of this traditional knowledge. The traditional healers use the flowers of Semal very frequently. It is considered as good female tonic. They advise the female patients to never miss the chance of utilizing flowers during season (January to March in Chhattisgarh conditions) and use it like curry. They also suggest another method for use. In this method, the fresh flowers are roasted in cow ghee and with salt, served to the patients. It is one of the promising remedies for leucorrhoea. The dried flowers av in local shops particularly in off-seasons are not preferred by the healers. To stop any type of internal bleeding, the healers suggest the patients to take Semal flowers with honey for immediate effect. The traditional healers of Chhattisgarh Plains, boil the flowers at night and keep it as such whole night. Next day it is given with mustard seeds internally as treatment of enlarged spleen. The healers of other parts do not add the mustard seeds in this combination. I personally feel that there is need for scientific investigation to find out the role of mustard seeds, in this use. The traditional healers of Southern Chhattisgarh have rich traditional medicinal knowledge about use of Semal Chhal (Bark). They use the bark through different methods as female tonic. It is recommended with cow milk. In case of urinary troubles, the healers suggest the patients to take powdered bark with sugar. The natives use, the bark in treatment of diarrhoea. The fresh juice of fresh bark is given as treatment. The traditional healers are also aware of this use. They added that one can use the juice of roots successfully as bark juice to stop the diarrhoea immediately. The traditional healer of Bhuthia village, use the Semal bark in treatment of spermatorrhoea. It is given with gud (Jaggery) and milk. According to him, within two weeks, one can get rid from this trouble. Like the bark of Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) the Semal bark is also considered as heart tonic and used in same way. In ancient literatures, it is mentioned that if anyone takes the Semal bark, internally, upto a year, he/she can cross the age of hundred years, without any problem. As heart tonic, the healers recommend its use upto one month only. Although it is neither in use nor recommended but I would like to request the young researchers to evaluate the efficacy of combination of Arjun and Semal bark, in different proportions as heart tonic. I am confident that some promising outcome will come through this experimentation. Semal gond (gum), known as Mochras in trade, is also used as medicine by the natives and traditional healers of Chhattisgarh. As aphrodisiac, it is given with sugar and cow milk. In treatment of diarrhoea, it is used by healers by adopting different methods. Many healers give it with fresh curd whereas other recommend the powdered gum simply with sugar. I have found both methods effective. The natives of Chhattisgarh Plains, use the powdered gum as tooth powder. According to them, its regular use root out all dental and gum related troubles. It is also used as preventive. The traditional healers of Bilaspur region, use the spines of Semal in many ways. With sugar, the powdered spines are used as female tonic. In face care, to remove the black spots, the natives mix the powered spines in cow milk and prepare paste. This paste is applied externally. During my surveys in Bagbahera forest areas, I heard about the use of Semal roots in treatment of scorpion bite. I have yet not seen its practical use. In reference literatures related to different systems of medicine in India, different promising herbal combinations having Semal roots as main ingredient, are given. When I explained these combinations among the traditional healers of Chhattisgarh, they showed ignorance and many of them showed eagerness to try these formulations. Similarly, like the medicinal uses of Fudhar Floss (Calotropis gigantea), the natives and healers of Chhattisgarh are not much aware of medicinal uses of Semal Floss. The natives of Tilda region informed me that the cotton of Semal is applied directly on fresh burns to stop the formation of blisters and to heal it quickly. Most of the above mentioned traditional uses have not been reported in reference literatures. The in depth traditional medicinal knowledge of natives and healers and the presence of Semal trees in Chhattisgarh, clearly indicates that there is a tremendous scope for establishing Semal based drug industries. This establishment will help all components, if it is adopted through proper planning. Thank you very much for reading the article.
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